George Washington University is a private, co-educational university primarily in the Foggy Bottom section of Northwest, Washington, DC. Its proximity to various important governmental and financial landmarks such as the…

Mission Statement

The George Washington University, an independent academic institution chartered by the Congress of the United States in 1821, dedicates itself to furthering human well-being. The University values a dynamic, student-focused community stimulated by cultural and intellectual diversity and built upon a foundation of integrity, creativity, and openness to the exploration of new ideas.

The George Washington University, centered in the national and international crossroads of Washington, D.C., commits itself to excellence in the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge. To promote the process of lifelong learning from both global and integrative perspectives, the University provides a stimulating intellectual environment for its diverse students and faculty. By fostering excellence in teaching, the University offers outstanding learning experiences for full-time and part-time students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in Washington, D.C., the nation, and abroad. As a center for intellectual inquiry and research, the University emphasizes the linkage between basic and applied scholarship, insisting that the practical be grounded in knowledge and theory. The University acts as a catalyst for creativity in the arts, the sciences, and the professions by encouraging interaction among its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the communities it serves.

The George Washington University draws upon the rich array of resources from the National Capital Area to enhance its educational endeavors. In return, the University, through its students, faculty, and staff, and alumni, contributes talent and knowledge to improve the quality of life in metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Reviews

Student Responses to Review Topic: Am I Enjoying Being Here

I love how they are smack dab in the middle of the city, they have buildings right on city streets, and if you don't like the city feel, you can also take a 15 min shuttle ride to their Mount Vernon campus which is full of green feilds and has a more rural feel. Also if you want to take smaller classes with a smaller clss size, you can opt to take them on the Vern (Mount Vernon campus)

I struggled a lot more in this area than most. GW doesn't do a great job of helping their students adjust, and the school can really be a pain to work with. The house Proctors (our version of Resident Assistants) aren't really supposed to be there for students in the same way RA's are; they're more of a contact point so that those in the upper levels of housing don't have to deal with minor problems, and many don't go out of their way to interact with their residents. In fact, I was closer to the house proctors from two other dorms than to my own. Another issue that most kids don't really think will be an issue--and that I didn't even consider until I needed it--is GW's University Counseling Center. GW is one of only 10% of schools in the country that offers no free counseling or mental health programs. A student committed suicide this spring, and the UCC didn't make much of an attempt to reach out to the community. This is unfortunately representative of a feeling that a lot of students get from the University as a whole; It can really feel like the school only thinks of its students as checks in the bank.
GW also really takes a page out of the Federal Government's Red Tape Book. It can be difficult to get anywhere with the school. You have to really advocate for yourself, and get to know as many people in key departments as you can (Financial Aid, Housing, etc.).
All things considered, though, I'm truly starting to enjoy living at GW. There are a lot of student orgs to choose from, and DC is a great city to live in. I've studied at the Library of Congress and walked to the Lincoln Memorial to watch the sunrise when I couldn't sleep. DC is not a concrete jungle city the way that places like New York City can feel, but it offers just just as many, if not more, opportunities (internships, jobs, and just being in a vibrant city). It's also nice to be able to take the Metro to places like Alexandria, VA or the bus to just about anywhere on the east coast.

The University offers a diverse amount of communities where you are sure to find your niche. Located in DC, University students can always find things to do not only on campus, but also in the vibrant city as well. I've met countless new people, and have encountered various vital resources as a result of being a student here.

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